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When it comes to being a successful elite hockey player, talent and skill are only part of the equation. Personality traits such as resilience, focus, determination, and a positive attitude are also crucial to achieving greatness on the ice. By identifying their strengths and weaknesses in these areas, hockey players can develop the traits that will help them succeed both on and off the ice. Let's explore some of the key personality traits of successful elite hockey players.
Resilience: Elite hockey players face challenges both on and off the ice, from injuries to tough losses to personal setbacks. The ability to bounce back from these challenges and stay focused on their goals is a hallmark of successful players.
Focus: Hockey is a fast-paced game that requires quick decision-making and split-second reactions. Elite players have a strong ability to concentrate and maintain focus, even in the face of distractions and pressure.
Determination: Elite hockey players are often driven by a deep desire to succeed, and they are willing to put in the hard work and dedication necessary to reach their goals.
Positive Attitude: A positive mindset can be a game-changer for elite hockey players. Those who approach challenges with optimism and a "can-do" attitude are more likely to succeed in the face of adversity.
Team-oriented: Hockey is a team sport, and successful elite players understand the importance of working together with their teammates to achieve their goals. They are team players who put the success of the team above individual accomplishments.
Of course, there are many other personality traits that can contribute to success in hockey, but these are some of the most important ones. By cultivating these traits and focusing on mental wellness and mindfulness, athletes can set themselves up for success both on and off the ice.
While personality traits are relatively stable over time and can be challenging to change, individuals can work on developing skills and strategies to manage or leverage their traits to improve mental toughness and mindfulness in hockey.
The NEO-AC also known as the Five Factor Model (FFM) of personality is a widely accepted framework that describes five major dimensions of personality. There is some evidence to suggest that certain personality traits may be related to an individual's ability to engage in mindful hockey practices.
For example, players who score low in the trait of neuroticism may be less likely to experience anxiety and stress on the ice. However, if a player is highly neurotic, they may benefit from learning techniques to manage their anxiety, such as mindfulness or breathing exercises.
Players who score high in the trait of conscientiousness may be naturally committed and disciplined in their training and preparation. However, they may also be prone to perfectionism and overthinking, which can lead to mental fatigue and decreased performance. Mindfulness and visualization techniques can help these players focus on the present moment and avoid getting caught up in negative self-talk or overthinking.
Ultimately, while personality traits can influence mental toughness and mindfulness in hockey, it is possible for players to develop and enhance their mindset to optimize their performance and well-being on the ice.
Mindful Hockey Personality Assessment
That's where NEO AC assessments come in. Based on the Five Factor Model of personality, NEO AC assessments measure an individual's levels of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, as well as the specific facets within each domain. By understanding their unique personality profile, hockey players can gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to improve their performance.
At our Mindful Hockey Center, we offer NEO AC assessments specifically tailored to the needs of elite hockey players. Our assessments can help players understand how their personality traits impact their performance on the ice, and can guide them in developing a mental wellness and mindfulness practice that will help them cultivate the traits necessary for success.
If you're an elite hockey player looking to take your game to the next level, consider taking a NEO AC assessment with us. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your goals.
The Mindful Hockey Personality Inventory test is by far the most scientifically validated and reliable psychological model to measure personality compared to other Elite Athletes.
Does the Athlete have the competitive streak needed to keep battling on no matter what the scoreboard says; the passion needed to play as though every game is a playoff game; the discipline needed to keep your head clear and body out of the penalty box, and the mental strength to handle the most intimidating opponents or circumstances. These, among other traits, are what make up a star player.
See how you compare with other Elite hockey players including NHL players.
What Mindful Hockey Techniques are right for you?
The NEO AC assessment results can provide valuable insights into an individual's personality traits and tendencies. By understanding a player's unique personality profile, coaches or mental performance specialists can create tailored plans for incorporating mindful techniques that are most likely to resonate with that player.
For example, let's say that a player scored low in the neuroticism facet of anxiety. This might suggest that the player is naturally calm and able to manage stress well. In this case, a mindfulness practice that emphasizes relaxation and stress reduction may not be as beneficial as a practice that emphasizes mental focus and concentration.
On the other hand, if a player scores high in the neuroticism facet of vulnerability, they may benefit from a mindfulness practice that helps them manage their emotions and maintain a sense of inner calm under pressure.
Similarly, if a player scores low in the extraversion facet of assertiveness, they may benefit from mindfulness practices that help them build confidence and assertiveness on the ice, while a player who scores high in this facet may already be naturally assertive and benefit more from practices that emphasize collaboration and team communication.
Overall, the insights provided by the NEO AC assessment results can help coaches and mental performance specialists create tailored mindfulness plans that are most likely to resonate with each player's unique personality profile, and help them achieve their mental and physical goals on and off the ice.
Our Assessment Dashboard will outline exactly what type of Mindful Hockey development is right for you.
More About Our Mindful Hockey Personality Assessment
NEO AC assessments measure an individual's levels of Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, as well as the specific facets within each domain. Here's a closer look at how each of these character traits relates to success as an elite hockey player:
Neuroticism: This domain measures an individual's tendency to experience negative emotions such as anxiety, worry, and fear. The Resilience facet of Neuroticism is particularly relevant for elite hockey players, as it measures an individual's ability to recover quickly from stress and adversity. Hockey players who are highly resilient are better equipped to handle the physical and mental demands of the sport, and are more likely to bounce back quickly from injuries or tough losses.
Extraversion: This domain measures an individual's tendency to seek out social interactions and stimulation. The Positive Emotions facet of Extraversion is particularly relevant for elite hockey players, as it measures an individual's tendency to experience positive emotions such as joy, enthusiasm, and optimism. Hockey players who score high on this facet are more likely to approach challenges with a positive attitude, which can help them maintain their motivation and focus in the face of adversity.
Openness: This domain measures an individual's tendency to be open to new experiences and ideas. While this trait may not be as directly relevant to success as an elite hockey player as the other traits, hockey players who score high on Openness may be more creative and innovative in their approach to the game, and may be more willing to try new strategies and techniques.
Agreeableness: This domain measures an individual's tendency to be cooperative, empathetic, and compassionate. The Cooperation facet of Agreeableness is particularly relevant for elite hockey players, as it measures an individual's ability to work well with others and put the success of the team above their own individual accomplishments. Hockey players who score high on this facet are team players who are able to communicate effectively with their teammates and create a positive team dynamic.
Conscientiousness: This domain measures an individual's tendency to be organized, responsible, and reliable. The Achievement Striving and Attention to Detail facets of Conscientiousness are particularly relevant for elite hockey players, as they measure an individual's motivation to succeed and ability to maintain focus and attention to detail. Hockey players who score high on these facets are highly motivated to succeed and are willing to put in the effort necessary to achieve their goals.
By taking a NEO AC assessment and understanding their unique personality profile, elite hockey players can gain insight into their strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan to improve their performance on the ice. Contact us today to learn more about how our assessments can help you achieve your goals.
Willingness to Use NEO AC Assessment Results:
One study found that athletes high in extraversion and openness to experience were more likely to use mindfulness-based techniques, including breath awareness, in their training and competition. These traits may be associated with a greater willingness to try new techniques and a higher level of comfort in public settings.
Another study found that athletes high in conscientiousness were more likely to use mindfulness-based techniques to manage anxiety and enhance performance. This may be due to the fact that individuals high in conscientiousness tend to be more disciplined and focused, which are qualities that are important for successful mindfulness practice.
Overall, there appears to be a relationship between certain personality traits and the use of mindfulness-based techniques in sports. While there is still much research to be done in this area, these findings suggest that coaches and athletes may benefit from considering individual differences in personality when developing and implementing mindful hockey practices.
What do the Studies say about Personality Assessments for Elite Hockey Players?
There have been several other studies examining the personality traits of elite athletes. One study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences examined the personality traits of Olympic-level athletes and found that they tended to score higher on measures of extraversion, openness, and conscientiousness, and lower on measures of neuroticism and agreeableness. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology found that young elite hockey players in Quebec, Canada scored highest in the personality trait of conscientiousness, which is associated with traits such as organization, responsibility, and self-discipline. They also scored relatively high in the traits of openness to experience and extraversion, and relatively low in neuroticism and agreeableness.
However, it's important to note that personality traits are not the only factors that contribute to success in sports. Other factors, such as physical ability, training, coaching, and motivation, also play a significant role. Additionally, it's important to remember that each individual is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to achieving success in sports or any other area of life.
Study of Olympic Athletes
The study Personality of Olympic-Level Athletes was published in the Journal of Sports Sciences in 2016 and aimed to explore the personality traits of Olympic-level athletes across different sports.
The researchers assessed the athletes using the NEO-AC, a questionnaire that measures the five dimensions of personality (neuroticism, extraversion, openness to experience, agreeableness, and conscientiousness) and their associated facets.
The results of the study showed that, compared to the general population, Olympic-level athletes scored higher in extraversion and openness to experience and lower in neuroticism. There was no significant difference in scores for agreeableness and conscientiousness.
The study also found that certain sports were associated with higher scores in specific personality traits. For example, athletes in individual sports scored higher in openness to experience and lower in agreeableness compared to those in team sports.
It's important to note that this study only looked at Olympic-level athletes, and it may not be representative of all elite athletes. Additionally, the study focused on trait-level personality and did not measure other psychological factors, such as mental toughness or mindfulness.
Overall, the findings suggest that certain personality traits may be more prevalent in elite athletes, and that certain sports may attract individuals with particular personality profiles. However, individual differences still play a significant role, and it's important to recognize that athletes come from a wide range of backgrounds and possess unique characteristics.
Study of Young Elite Canadian Hockey Players
A study published in 2014 by the Journal of Clinical Sport Psychology examined personality traits and mental toughness in elite bantam-level hockey players in Quebec, Canada. The study included 89 male players aged 13-14 who were competing at a high level in their age group. The players completed a series of questionnaires assessing their personality traits and mental toughness, as well as their perceptions of coach leadership and team cohesion.
The results showed that the players scored highest in the personality trait of conscientiousness, which is associated with traits such as organization, responsibility, and self-discipline. They also scored relatively high in the traits of openness to experience and extraversion, and relatively low in neuroticism and agreeableness.
In terms of mental toughness, the players scored highest in the domains of commitment and confidence, and lower in the domains of control and challenge. The study also found that perceptions of coach leadership and team cohesion were positively related to mental toughness.
Overall, the study suggests that personality traits and mental toughness are important factors in the development of elite hockey players, and that coaches and teams can benefit from focusing on leadership and cohesion to promote mental toughness in their players.
Study of Junior and NCAA Hockey Players
There have been some studies on personality traits and mental toughness in junior level hockey players and NCAA players. One study, published in the Journal of Applied Sport Psychology in 2011, examined the relationships between personality traits, mental toughness, and performance in junior ice hockey players. The study found that mental toughness was positively associated with extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability (low neuroticism), and negatively associated with openness to experience. This means that the study found that certain personality traits were related to mental toughness in a positive or negative way. Specifically, the study found that athletes who scored higher in extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability tended to have higher levels of mental toughness. Conversely, athletes who scored higher in openness to experience tended to have lower levels of mental toughness. The study also found that mental toughness was positively associated with performance, and that personality traits were indirect predictors of performance through mental toughness.
Another study, published in the International Journal of Sport Psychology in 2019, examined the relationships between personality traits and mental toughness in NCAA Division I ice hockey players. The study found that mental toughness was positively associated with extraversion, conscientiousness, and emotional stability, and negatively associated with neuroticism. The study also found that mental toughness was positively associated with both physical and mental performance, and that personality traits were indirect predictors of performance through mental toughness.
Overall, these studies suggest that personality traits and mental toughness are important factors in the performance of junior level and NCAA hockey players, and that certain personality traits may be more beneficial for developing mental toughness in hockey.
Peer-Reviewed:
The Science of Mindful Personality Inventory for Hockey Performance based on the Five Factor Model (FFM)
Performance.
One of the most prominent underlying themes of personality research is to identify personality traits that are associated with successful athletic performances. Previous research has linked personality with successful outcomes in sport and physical activity (Rhodes et al., 2006). Both the conscientiousness and neuroticism traits have been found to be related to desirable outcomes. Personality governs one’s capacity and willingness to perform which are essential components of one’s success in sports.
Mental Skills Coaches have tapped into personality inventory models, such as the Five Factor Model (FFM), to help athletes gain a competitive advantage.
The Five Factor Model consists of 5 domains: Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, Openness to Experiences
Neuroticism.
Neuroticism accounts for emotional stability within an individual. The neuroticism trait contains the following lower order facets: low tranquility, high impulsivity, high hostility, anxiety, depressive outlook and self-consciousness (Judge et al., in press). Individuals with higher neuroticism scores tend to be described as worrying, nervous, insecure and inadequate (Trninic et al., 2008). Low scorers represent emotional stability and can be described as calm, relaxed and secure (Trninic et al., 2008). In the sport setting, it is important for athletes to cope with stress effectively to produce desirable performances. Kaiseler, Polman and Nicholls (2012) investigated the relationship between the five personality dimensions and coping and coping effectiveness (p. 62). In their sample of over 480 athletes, researchers found that the neuroticism trait predicted higher stressor intensity, predicted lower perceived stressor control, was associated with more emotion and avoidance coping strategies and less problem-focused coping strategies (Kaiseler et al., 2012). The neuroticism trait appears to be a vital
indicator of athlete stress and coping. It would be appropriate to address athletes with 30 higher neuroticism scores and provide them with more effective coping strategies.
Extraversion.
The extraversion domain accounts for interpersonal interactions and social behaviors of an individual. The six lower order facets for extraversion are warmth, gregariousness, assertiveness, activity, excitement seeking, and positive emotion (Wilt et al., 2008). Individuals with higher extraversion scores are often described as bold, assertive and talkative (Wilt et al., 2008). Low scorers can be described as unsocial, quiet, reserved or serious (Trninic, Barancic, & Nazor, 2008). Extraversion is an 27 important factor of personality for three reasons: a) extraversion is one of the fundamental dimensions of personality, b) extraversion predicts well-being and effective functioning across different settings, and c) extraversion predicts risks and resilience (Wilt et al., 2008). Almost all theories of personality appear to account for the extraversion trait in one form or another. The extraversion trait has been widely researched in the sport setting. When investigating the relationship between personality and leadership, the extraversion trait has been commonly linked with leadership criteria (Judge, Bono, Ilies, & Gerhardt, 2002). The combination of the extraversion and conscientiousness traits have been found to be strong predictors of leadership emergence and effectiveness (Beauchamp & Eys, 2007). Other research has shown that more extraverted individuals demonstrate greater confidence when speaking in front of others (Pulford & Sohal, 2006). These findings are supported by the descriptors of the extraversion trait. That is, extraverted individuals tend to be more vocal, social and proactive and thus, may provide them with a basic platform for leadership potential and a predisposition for leader qualities. Other studies have compared the differences between interactive sports, coactive sports and non-sport athletes on the extraversion dimension. Eagleton, McKelvie and de Man (2007) found that interactive sport participants had higher scores of extraversion than the other two groups of participants and that these scores did not change over time (p. 265).
Openness to Experiences.
The last domain of the FFM is openness to experiences or also referred to as the openness trait. Openness to experiences identifies proactive seeking of new experiences and tolerance for the unknown (Trninic et al., 2008). The lower order traits are quickness, creativity, ingenuity, artistic values, imagination and culture (Judge et al., in press). Individuals with higher scores can be described as imaginative, creative and non-conventional and lower scores are more often described as traditional, down-to-earth, and inartistic (Trninic et al., 2008). There is a certain degree of risk-taking involved in many different types of sports. For example, in the hockey setting there are inherit risks that are part of the game where one may sacrifice one’s body (i.e., body checking, sliding for the puck, etc.). In one study researchers compared risk-taking behaviors and personality traits to determine if these two variables were related to one another. Researchers found that high scores on the openness to experience trait predicted greater risk-taking whereas high scores on the neuroticism trait were associated with less risk-taking (Lauriola & Levin, 2001). Similar results were obtained by Serdar (2011) where findings indicated that participants of risky sports had significantly higher levels of extraversion and openness to experience and lower levels of conscientiousness and neuroticism (p. 1105).
Agreeableness.
Another domain of the FFM is agreeableness. Agreeableness assesses the quality of interpersonal interactions with others. There are six lower order facets of agreeableness, which include empathy, sympathy, warmth, pleasantness
cooperation and straightforwardness (Judge, Rodell, Klinger, Simon, & Crawford, in 28 press). Individuals that score high on the agreeableness trait can be described as softhearted, forgiving, honest and trusting (Trninic et al., 2008). Individuals with low scores are described as mocking, rude, vengeful, or manipulative (Trninic et al., 2008). The agreeableness trait is typically associated with developing interpersonal relationships (Beauchamp et al., 2007). Graziano and colleagues (1996) found that more agreeable individuals tend to use more accommodating strategies during conflicts than individuals with lower scores, who conversely prefer more coercive approaches (as cited in Beauchamp et al., 2007). Researchers also found that higher agreeableness scores reflected greater empathy towards others (Nettle, 2007). Thus, it would appear that the agreeableness trait would be associated with greater levels of team cohesiveness and positive interactions. Bradley, Baur, Banford and Postlethwaite (2013) found that the agreeableness trait has a positive impact on performance because it has an effect on communication and cohesion (p. 680).
Conscientiousness.
The conscientiousness domain describes the goal-oriented behaviors in an individual. The lower order facets include: achievement-orientation, selfdiscipline, purposefulness, deliberation, tidiness and cautiousness (Judge et al., in press). Individuals with higher conscientiousness scores are often described as self-disciplined, punctual and ambitious, whereas low scorers are described as lazy, unreliable, or inconsiderate (Trninic et al., 2008). Past research has shown positive associations between the conscientiousness trait and athletic achievement. In two studies that utilized the FFM, researchers found positive correlations between the conscientiousness trait with football rankings (Tran, 2012) and soccer game statistics (Piedmont, Hill, & Blanco, 1997b). In another study, anxiety, confidence and personalities were tested among two groups of elite and non-elite judo athletes. Researchers found that the conscientiousness trait predicted anxiety and selfconfidence (Matsumoto, Takeuchi, Nakajima, & Iida, 2000). Matsumoto and colleagues (2000) suggest that the conscientiousness trait may be related to training adherence and this, therefore, creates more confidence and less anxiety in judo athletes (p. 18). Similar results have been found in other settings with the conscientiousness trait being the most related to positive outcomes (Poropat, 2009; Rhodes et al., 2006).
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